More than two-dozen parks and nature areas with Ann Arbor are closed during the evening hours. State wildlife officials issued a two-month permit allowing sharpshooters to enter the parks to shoot up to 100 deer. The Ann Arbor City Council gave its approval to the effort to curb the area’s deer population. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources issued the permit that restricts any shooting within 450 feet of occupied buildings without written consent from owners or occupants. Critics say the culling of the deer is dangerous and unnecessary. Supporters say the deer population is out of control and culling is necessary. The parks began closing in the evening on New Year’s Day and will continue to be closed during evening hours through March 1st.
